Already at a major roadblock first time building a
pc - motherboard and case

I am trying to mount the motherboard into the case - there is just one problem,

On the back of the motherboard, where I have the cpu cooler washers poking out, there isn't enough room in the small opening provided by my case.

I am trying to screw my motherboard in but none of the screws reach because I can't place the unit in flatly. It protrudes because the opening isn't large enough to accept the washers underneath where my cpu cooler components are.

It might help if:1) you told us which case and what motherboardor2) you provided pictures

I can only imagine what it is you're doing wrong (if you're doing something wrong)... I THINK you're trying to say that the cooler locks down from the back of the motherboard but that it won't fit in the space between the board and the bottom of the case... I would say to make sure you're using the right screws/bolts/whatever since they really shouldn't protrude out that far. Alternate you might see if there is some sort of spacer you're supposed to use for your motherboard to make it sit up higher off the bottom of the case.

Again, pictures might help... or if you told which case/motherboard/cooler you could maybe get advice from someone who has used one or all of those things themselves---http://raptr.com/badge/arleas/uc.pnghttp://www.speedtest.net/result/2868545294.png